Mayor's Weekly Message: Graduations and Honoring John J. Sweeney
Middlesex Borough High School Graduating Class of 2021
It is with great honor that I was invited to witness the graduation in this first post- Covid graduation assembly. As we are getting back to normal it was nice to see the many people gathered to celebrate this graduation exercise. I wish to thank Dr. Williams, the teachers, administration and all the support groups for organizing such a beautiful event. The graduation was well attended and well executed. It is worthy to note that one had the sense that the ceremony really capped off a sheltered time in the recent past to now gather, celebrate and feel vital once again. My wife Barbara also attended, and we both enjoyed sharing in the exuberance of the speakers. I wish all the graduates the best to fulfill and achieve their endeavors and dreams.
Middlesex Police Youth Academy Graduation
Friday, June 25, 2021, marked the graduation of the Youth Academy students. The program was designed to provide a positive interaction between the police and our youth.
Community Policing has been the centerpiece to foster the relationship between the residents and the police to provide public safety.
The students are taught integrity, trust, pride and discipline. The core values that are specifically emphasized are: pride, integrity, and respect. The students received a snapshot of the various aspects of police procedures and operations which represent real life situations utilizing the different types of gear necessary for the job at hand. The program also offered some physical training and classroom instruction. The students understand the enormous amount and degree of ongoing training that is required to face any and all situations that may be encountered. I was privileged to speak to the Graduates and offer support.
Many thanks go out to Chief Geist, Officer Joleen Aricchio, and the entire Middlesex Police Department for presenting such an important program. Please keep up the good work and consider continuing with the other related programs. Congratulations to all the Graduates and best of luck in the future.
The Passing of John J. Sweeney
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John J. Sweeney, on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at the age of 87. There are but few people we meet who have forged a personal lifelong commitment of volunteerism, unwavering dedication for giving to Middlesex Borough, and sharing his charitable time, energy and effort in the unselfish pursuit to help all who ask of him. He is the rare individual whom I can honestly and consistently define as a true mentor. I had the honor of knowing him over 35 years.
John was commissioned into the Air Force as a second lieutenant and after ten years of service was discharged after attaining the rank of Captain. John became a long-standing member of the Green Brook Flood Control Commission. As Commissioner, representing Middlesex Borough, John attended virtually every meeting going back so many years. The was true dedication which is rarely seen today. While he was on this Commission, our paths had crossed and from then I was appointed to the Commission which lasted many years.
I found the Commission particularly challenging since there is so much to learn and understand about flood management and remediation. Living in the flood zone gave me a better understanding and appreciation for flood control.
John was also responsible for the start of our recycling operations in the Borough due to his work as the Recycling Coordinator for the Middlesex County Improvement Authority. This man was the prime example of consistency of undiminished principle and integrity. We wish him Godspeed on his next journey. He will be sorely missed.
Mayor John L. Madden